Looking for ways to grow and strengthen your edges?! Well, healthy hair starts at the root 💯 here's a few ways to keep them nourished, protected and thriving! 

1. Remove The Excess Product

After you've sculpted those perfectly laid edges, it’s important to thoroughly clarify your hair and scalp to remove all of the product buildup. Product Buildup is the accumulation of product and debris on at the roots, the scalp, and on the hair strands that suffocate your hair follicle, causing irritation and inflammation over time. The also prevent your hair from being able to absorb moisture. If left un-clarified, product buildup can cause the hair follicle to become weak, dry and brittle, or even cause it to fall out and/or miniaturize. The visual consequences of this being limp and dull hair, or even hair loss in the area.

If you notice that your hair is not responding with the same desirable results after using your normal haircare products and styling routine, it's a good indication that it's time to clarify. A clarifying shampoo, like The Melanin Haircare African Black Soap Reviving Shampoo, which contains Tea Tree, Rosemary, and Black Cumin Seed, will remove the excess product buildup, leaving your scalp, hair, and edges clean, strong, and detoxified so that they’re able to absorb all the moisture they need, and retain their normal healthy shine and appearance! 💦

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A post shared by Victoria | Natural Hair Content (@hairjourney_vlh)

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2. Incorporate Daily Scalp Massages

If you begin to notice that your edges are thinning out, daily scalp massages may help bring them back to life! A 2016 study found that those who completed daily scalp massages for 4 minutes over a span of 24 weeks, saw an increase in hair thickness! 🥳 An additional benefit to scalp massages are that they also help to reduce stress, which can cause inflammation to the scalp, and reduced hair growth or hair loss. Therefore, reducing your stress with this small, easy task can greatly benefit your hair health over time! To massage your scalp, simply use the pads of your fingers to gently press into the skin on your scalp in small circular motions. For an added nutrient boost, incorporate your favorite nourishing oil blend, like The Melanin Haircare Multi-Use Pure Oil Blend, containing a high-quality mix of stimulating and nourishing Argan, Avocado, Jojoba, Baobab, Sweet Almond, Sage, Geranium and Vitamin E Oils, that penetrate deep into the scalp and hair follicles to nourish, soothe, and revive.

@curlcodeblack Scalp massaging once or twice daily for 5-10 minutes is a must >>> #naturalhairtiktok #blackgirltiktok #fypシ #xyzbca #viral #naturalhairtips #naturalhair #scalpmassage ♬ Out thë way - vorvlex

3. Avoid Tight Styles

The easiest way to protect your edges is to not pull on them - avoid those tight hairstyles! Any tight tension created at the roots of your hair can lead to traction alopecia, the thinning or complete loss of hair. Hairstyles that may contribute to traction alopecia include:

• Tight ponytails and buns
• Tight high/low puffs
• Tight protective styles like braids and cornrows
• Tight or irritating hair extensions 
• Tight wigs, with or without wig glue

** Please note: the hairstyles mentioned above can be worn safely if they are installed gently and are not causing stress and discomfort to your hair roots.

Thankfully, if caught early enough, traction alopecia can be reversed! 🙌🏾 If you notice bumps, soreness, itching, redness, or broken hair near your hairline, undo your hairstyle immediately and opt for a looser one!

4. Avoid Over-Styling

In addition to tight styles, over-styling itself, can also lead to thinning edges. The constant brushing or combing of your hair can cause the strands to break, even if the style itself is loose, so be sure to give your tresses a break in between styling with low-maintenance looks like halo twists, two strand twists, and loose, low buns that haven’t been slicked back with a brush or gel! Don’t be afraid to rock your natural, curly, frizzy edges and allow your hair to breathe… your strands and roots will thank you for it! 💯

If you need some protective styling inspiration, watch below for some fun ways to style head wraps to decorate your loose buns and twists!

5. Sleep With Satin Head Wraps And Pillowcases

At night, we do a lot of twisting and turning, leaving our hair and edges unprotected against the friction of cotton pillowcases and bed sheets. This friction can lead to pulling, tangling, and even breakage. 😨 So before you head to bed, protect your hair by sleeping with a smooth satin head wrap, like those offered on MelaninHaircare.com. Made from high-quality, durable, soft, stretchy, and smooth satin fabric, The Melanin Haircare Stretch Satin Head Wraps protect your edges from friction, while also helping to preserve your hairstyle for the next day!

*Please note: be sure that you don’t tie your head wrap too tight as constant pressure at the nape, or around your hairline, may also lead to breakage. 

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6. Seek a Dermatologist

Unfortunately, not all hair loss has a simple solution. There are so many different internal changes that can occur, from hormonal shedding, to sensitivities and even gland abnormalities. If you suspect your hair loss may be due to a new or worsening medical condition, please speak to a medical provider as soon as you can. The quicker you identify what the issue is, the more chances you’ll have to save your hair and your good health. ❤️

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Interested in a chic, affordable protective style solution? The Melanin Haircare Textured Satin Head Wraps are lightweight with soft ribbed satin fabric and have enough hold to stay put on your head without slipping off! The smooth, sleek satin material helps to lock in moisture while protecting your hair strands from pulling and breakage! Grab yours TODAY at Melanin Haircare!